The first coin I ever purchased was not a coin at all, but actually a Chinese silver medal back in the 1980's. I didn't buy it because it was silver (I was a teen and had no interest in or knowledge of the value of precious metals), nor because I liked or collected coins, I bought it because it was beautiful and depicted the Great Wall of China...an historical structure that I had just learned about and intrigued me. But it was because of this Chinese Great Wall silver medal that, nearly 30 years later, drew me into an appreciation of coins in general and precious metals coins and medals specifically. Since my true interest in coin collecting began in late 2012, I have added some inexpensive but beautiful Chinese medals to my small collection...I love ultra high relief and well executed designs....which the Chinese have perfected with their medals. So, are there any other Chinese medal fans here?
Well, I like Chinese coins. Haven't gotten much into medals due to storage issues. You see I like them big medals, and after buying a few from other countries I'm contemplating if I want to buy more. So far I have not found a good method to store them yet. I do have an interest in medals whether they are Chinese or not but thus far I have not bought much. Feel free to post some pictures of your medals though.
An inexpensive copper medal but exquisite and beautiful. I purchased one of these on eBay. Your thoughts on this medal?
The fascinating part of that medal is the depiction of the "Temple of Heaven" which is in the centre of Beijing and the Great Wall which is a few miles north of the city. Where both tie into numismatics are very many depictions on coins and banknotes. When I visited the "Temple of Heaven" a few years ago that was my first thought - wow, I have seen this place on several Chinese banknotes in my collection.
is that temple of heaven the same temple that is on the back of the silver pandas 1 oz silver coins too ?
The Temple of Heaven has also been featured on the Provisional Government aluminum coins from 1941 - 1943.
The "Temple of Heaven" will invariably show up on ANY Chinese currency. That building, in its location, is considered the "center of the universe" to the Chinese and the other Asians influenced by Chinese culture. I have to say, that is one busy design, but very cool. It's like cramming the white house, Mount Rushmore, and the Capitol Mall all together. The other medals posted here are also quite impressive.
Okay, that last part was very funny but yeah, it really is an impressive sculpting minted onto a large piece of copper. Here's the other side, just as impressive in my view (I really like that carved winged-like column rising up in the middle left....is that a dragon on top?):
Very nice looking medal. There are lots of Chinese medals that are super busy. They look really good, I have also seen some very simple ones that looks good too.
The column is a symbol of ancient Chinese culture and is known as a huabiao (华表). The "wing" is actually a cloud. The mythical animal on top is a denglong (蹬龙). More interesting information may be found here. Gary
Wow, Gary, thank you...you are very informative. I will check out the link. Do you have any Chinese medals you like?
WOW. Just when I thought that first image you showed was busy. THIS side is busier than a one-armed wall paper hanger with crabs...
